Vitality Vibes: "Embrace Wellness and Fitness"

White bread vs whole wheat bread: Which is the healthier option? If you're constantly oscillating between white bread and wholewheat bread, let us help you out. According to Vedika Premani, clinical dietician, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, eating wholewheat bread offers several health benefits due to its higher nutrient and fibre content, which aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel regularity, and can prevent constipation. To understand which one is better, we need to analyse what both breads are made of, and the difference in their  nutrition profiles . What are white and whole-wheat breads made of? White bread is made from refined flour, where the bran and germ are removed, along with some of the nutrients, as per Premnani. However, whole wheat bread, she explained, is made from whole wheat flour, which contains the entire grain, including the bran and germ and hence it retains more nutrients, fibre, and vitamins compared to white bread. Whole wheat bread is generally...

What happens to your body when you give up refined oil for a month? Refined oil, a staple ingredient found in most Indian food items, is used for a variety of applications, including sautéing, frying, dressings, and baking. Its neutral taste and high smoke point make it a preferred choice for cooking a range of dishes. However, overconsumption of  refined oil  can pose several health risks. Excessive intake has been linked to issues such as obesity, heart disease, and inflammation. As such, should you completely eliminate refined oil from your end? And what will happen to your body if you give up refined oil for a month, to begin with? We reached out to experts to know more. According to Dr Devendra Shrimal, director of cardiology, Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur, giving up refined oil for a month can have several potential effects on the body. 'Refined oils, such as those used in fried and processed foods, are often high in unhealthy fats, which can contribute to...

Weight Loss Diet: 7 Mini Meals to Include in Everyday Meal to Shed Belly Fat Weight Loss: The weight loss journey can be tough. It requires its own set of dedication and determination. What to eat, what not to eat and how much to eat, is one of the pillars to lose weight. There is an inexhaustible list of what we can eat, or what are some of the ideal food combinations to try but what also is essential is how much to consume. Yes, portion control is a major contributor to getting that stubborn fat out of the body. Celebrity nutritionist Anjali Mukherjee, recommends a few mini-meals that can definitely make the cut for a weight-loss meal plate. Studies have shown that eating frequent mini-meals spread throughout the day prevents the metabolism from slowing down, reduces hunger pangs, optimally fuels your body and has a positive impact on cholesterol & insulin levels. WEIGHT LOSS: 7 HEALTHY MEALS TO LOSE WEIGHT • 1 cup of soya milk with almonds:  Both soy milk and almonds are ...

Breastfeeding Diet: 15 Superfoods Every Lactating Mother Must Consume Lactating mothers play a vital role in providing essential nutrients to their newborns through breast milk. To ensure the well-being of both mother and baby, lactating moms must maintain a balanced diet. Proper nutrition during this period can aid in milk production, postpartum recovery, and overall health. Balanced nutrition during lactation not only supports the baby's growth and development but also helps the mother recover from childbirth and maintain her well-being. By incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods into the diet, lactating mothers can promote a healthy breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their babies. 15 Best Superfoods For Breastfeeding Women • Oats: Rich in fibre and iron, oats can help regulate blood sugar levels and increase milk supply. • Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are excellent sources of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. • Nu...

Kidney Stone Diet: 8 Foods For Hydration, Calcium Absorption Kidney stones or renal stones are essentially formed out of hard waste material that builds up in the kidneys developing into round crystals. While small kidney stones pose a lower risk, severely large stones can cause intense pain in the abdomen, vomiting and bleeding. Most times, kidney stones are formed due to excess stores of calcium that remain unprocessed but are also stored in the body instead of being expelled. Kidney stones are then many times simply calcium oxalate stones that cause blockages in the urinary system. Other kinds of rare kidney stones can be uric or cysteine but calcium oxalate stones are the most common occurrence in the body. Experts suggest that once kidney stones occur in the body, the risk of their recurrence is magnified. This means, it is extremely critical to first fortify kidney function to prevent stones altogether and if recovering, make some slight alterations to the diet to reduce the tend...

Poor sleep can lead to diabetes, obesity and heart problems. Try these herbal teas to sleep better "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." This timeless wisdom by Sir Benjamin Franklin captures the profound link between a balanced sleep routine and our overall well-being. Without a doubt, scientific evidence, too, supports that maintaining a consistent sleep pattern leads to better health outcomes. Studies show that insufficient sleep increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular problems, and infections. During the night, your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure undergo natural cycles that are essential for your cardiac health. Sleep also triggers hormone release that repairs cells and regulates energy metabolism, which may affect your body weight. Sleep has a deep impact on both our brains and bodies. Dr Michael Twery, a sleep expert at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), explains that sleep affects many aspects of our physiolo...

Does intermittent fasting help you lose weight? Early hunter-gatherers faced long periods of fasting. Their access to food relied on successful hunting, fishing, and the availability of wild plants. Over time, the development of modern agriculture and the transition to industrialised societies changed our regular eating patterns, shifting our dinner time to later in the day to accommodate work schedules. Today, with access to an abundance of food, we rarely experience prolonged periods of fasting, except for weight loss or religious practices. It's now common to have four or more meals a day, with the most calories consumed later in the day. Frequent snacking is also common, over a window of around 15 hours. However, research increasingly shows our health is not only affected by what and how much we eat but also when we eat. So what does this mean for meal scheduling? And can intermittent fasting help? Our body clock controls more than our sleep Our internal biological timeke...

Gond Katira: 5 Health Benefits Of This Cooling Herb During summer and monsoon, we experience intense fatigue and weakness due to the scorching temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is important to keep our bodies cool from within. Most people prefer ice cream and cold drinks in this situation, but they are extremely unhealthy. There are many natural foods available which keep the body cool without any side effects such as coconut water, buttermilk and cucumbers. These food items also provide us with essential nutrients that improve our overall health. Gond katira is another such ingredient that is known for its cooling properties. What Is Gond Katira Gond katira is a natural gum that is obtained from the dried saps of locoweed plants. Also known as tragacanth gum, it is very popular in Indian kitchens during summers. Used in a variety of dishes such as kulfi, falooda, smoothies and lassi, it is a rich source of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. This magical herb is perfect ...

  Women Health: 5 Reasons To Add Hemp Seeds To Your Diet Hemp seeds have so many health benefits, especially for women. These seeds are loaded with fibre, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, and other vital elements. Hemp seeds can help relieve menstrual and menopausal symptoms by promoting hormonal balance. Furthermore, their abundant iron content guards against iron deficiency anaemia, which is a typical worry for females. Women can maintain their general health and well-being by including hemp seeds in their diet. Hemp seeds are an excellent source of nourishment for pregnant and breastfeeding women. These seeds are high in calcium and magnesium, which are important for prenatal development and maternal health. Hemp seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in newborn brain development. Hemp seeds, with their diverse and nutty flavour, may be readily incorporated into a range of cuisines, making them a simple and healthy alternative for women of all ages. Lovneet Batra,...

  What happens to the body when you give up wheat for a month? Wheat and grain-based foods have become an all-pervasive part of our diets. We love our bagels, pasta, bread and breakfast cereals. For many, the thought of removing these staples from their diets becomes impossible. But a growing number of people are choosing wheat-free diets-and for good reason. For many people, wheat can lead to severe health risks such as gluten sensitivity, weight gain, autoimmune conditions and high blood sugar levels. In such a scenario, is it advisable to eliminate wheat from our diet entirely? Additionally, what changes can occur in the body if we don't consume wheat for a month? To answer all these questions, we reached out to an expert to find out. 'In recent times, people are increasingly curious about alternative diets and cutting out specific foods. For instance, abstaining from wheat for a month is a common experiment. However, it's crucial to consider the impact on our body and...

Weight Loss Diet Plan A weight loss diet plan typically focuses on reducing calorie intake while maintaining balanced nutrition. Here's a general outline for a nutrition diet plan: • Calorie Deficit: Consume fewer calories than your body burns to create a calorie deficit and promote weight loss. • Balanced Meals: Include a mix of lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables in your meals. • Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating. • Hydration: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. • Limit Sugary and Processed Foods: Reduce or eliminate sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods from your diet. • Regular Meals: Avoid skipping meals and try to eat at regular intervals to keep your metabolism steady. • Snacking: If needed, choose healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, or yoghurt, and avoid unhealthy snacks like chips and cookies. • Physical Activity: Combine your diet plan with regular ex...

Detox diet chart   Detox diets are often promoted as a way to cleanse the body and remove toxins. However, it's important to note that the human body has its built-in detoxification system involving the liver, kidneys, and other organs. There is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of specific detox diets in removing toxins. Instead of following restrictive detox diets, it's more beneficial to focus on overall healthy eating habits. Here's a balanced diet chart that promotes overall health and well-being: Morning: • Warm water with lemon: This can help kickstart your metabolism and aid digestion. • Breakfast: Choose one option from the following: • Overnight oats with mixed berries and nuts. • Greek yoghurt with sliced fruits and a sprinkle of chia seeds. • Whole grain toast with avocado and poached eggs. Mid-morning Snack: • A piece of fruit (apple, pear, berries, etc.). • Handful of mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.). Lunch: • Salad with mix...

5 ways to Remain Healthy and Fit 1. Regular Exercise:  Engage in regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. Find activities you enjoy, such as walking, running, swimming, dancing, or cycling, to make exercise more enjoyable and sustainable. 2.  Balanced Diet:  Adopt a balanced and nutritious diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive consumption of unhealthy fats and sugars. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. 3. Adequate Sleep:  Ensure you get enough restorative sleep each night. Most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night. A consistent sleep schedule, a comfortable sleep environment,...